Scotland Tours

Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Scottish embassy website in your country of departure.

Travel vaccinations are generally not required for entry into Scotland. However, as advice often changes, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

Scotland’s weather is famously changeable, and you can sometimes experience all four seasons in a single day here — particularly in the Highlands. Summers (June to August) tend to be mostly sunny with temperatures floating around 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). It can get hotter, though only on rare occasions. Make sure you bring a rain jacket too, as rainy spells can often occur. Winters (December to January) tend to be cold and dark, with temperatures tending to float around the 0 to 7°C (32 to 45°F) mark. Wrap up warm and prepare for snow in the Highlands! Spring (March to May) is changeable — sun, rain, wind, and even snow are all possible. Temperatures tend to range from lows of 1°C (33.8°F) in March to 16°C (60.8°F) in May. Autumn (September to November) averages highs of 16°C (60.8°F) in September and lows of 2°C (35.6°F) in November. Showers are common at this time, so it’s recommended you bring layers and a raincoat.

The best time to visit Scotland really depends on what you’re looking for. Weather-wise, late Spring to early Autumn (May to September) tends to be the best time to come, as the days are long and the sun is out more often than it’s not. If you’re wanting to go hiking, then we’d recommend May to early July, as the weather tends to be ok and the midges haven’t come out in full force yet. August is peak tourist season in Edinburgh, when the world-famous Fringe is in full-swing. But October through to March isn’t a terrible time to come either. The landscapes are moody and are perfect for photography — plus there are plenty of cosy pubs to hide away from the cold and often wet weather in.

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary across Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for waiting staff, and a smaller amount (€1 to €2) for other service providers. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Scotland generally has very good internet access — especially in cities and towns — though in rural areas like the Highlands, you can expect it to be more unreliable. That being said, there’s a big push on 4G even in remote areas, so internet access is always improving here.

Yes — ATMs are widely available in major cities and towns such as Inverness, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Pretty much all of them will accept international cards like Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. Please note that you may be charged a transaction fee for withdrawals if you’re arriving from outside of the UK — check with your bank before you travel. If you’re heading out into really remote areas, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you in case you can’t locate an ATM or in case a card machine isn’t working.

Yes — Scotland is generally considered to be one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. There are thriving LGBTQ+ scenes in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the country was actually the first in the world to embed LGBTQ+ education into the national curriculum. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.

English is the main language spoken here, and over 98% of the population speak it. Scots — a Germanic language similar to English — is spoken by around 1.5 million people here too, and Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) is also spoken in the Highlands and islands like the Outer Hebrides.

Yes, tap water is safe to drink all across Scotland, and it’s often considered to be some of the cleanest water to drink anywhere in the world.

Yes, in general, Scotland is considered a very safe destination for travellers. The country has a low crime rate compared to most other countries in the world, and the majority of visitors experience zero issues during their stay. However, as with everywhere in the world, petty crime does exist. Take the usual precautions and you should run into zero problems. Make sure you pack layers for hikes however — the weather here can be very changeable. G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides leading your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our Travel Safety page.